Middle Township Introduces 2025 Budget
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP INTRODUCES 2025 BUDGET
Middle Township formally introduced the municipality’s 2025 budget at the Township’s April 7th Public Meeting. The proposed budget was presented by Chief Financial Officer Neil Young and Leon Costello from the Township’s auditing firm, Ford, Scott and Associates.
Several factors contributed to upward pressures on the Township’s spending requirements:
- Loss of NJ Municipal Relief Fund Aid – $367,000
- Increase in healthcare premiums – $697,000
- Increase in contractual costs for trash and recycling from 2024 to 2025 – $394,000
- Increase in the Township’s contribution to funding the Cape May County Animal Shelter
- Contractual increases in employee salaries and wages
Mayor Leusner and Township Committee took several steps to mitigate the impact of increased expenditures:
- A growing and healthy surplus allowed for an increase in surplus utilization of $250,000.
- The Township’s ongoing efforts to diversify revenue streams created an increase in anticipated revenues from interest on investments, licensing fees, short term rental fees, hotel/motel tax, construction fees and business registration.
- Savings from Salaries and Wages related to departmental personnel adjustments and retirements.
- Total projected savings from newly negotiated service provider contracts of over a million dollars.
The 2025 budget as introduced calls for a 2.8 cent increase in the Municipal Levy. The total tax rate is estimated to increase 3.34% over 2024, equating to a 2025 levy of $18,177,210. The municipal levy represents 29.72% of residents’ total tax bill. School tax makes up 55% of the total tax bill. County tax comprises 15.3%.
“Middle Township Committee is committed to providing quality municipal services at the most affordable cost to our taxpayers,” Mayor Leusner said. “We continue to work all-year round to mitigate cost increases, many of which are largely beyond our control. We look to tighten spending on the expenditures we do control and creatively diversify our municipal revenue streams. I applaud the hard work of our Administrator Kim Osmundsen, CFO Neil Young and our excellent Department Heads to deliver a financially prudent, well-structured 2025 budget.”
Middle Launches Hometown Heroes Banner Program to Honor Local Veterans
Middle Launches Hometown Heroes Banner Program to Honor Local Veterans
Mayor Chris Leusner and Township Committee are proud to announce the launch of the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, an initiative designed to honor and recognize local veterans and active-duty military for their dedication and service to our community and country. The program serves to celebrate the sacrifices and contributions of those who have put their lives on the line to ensure the safety and well-being of their fellow Americans.
The Hometown Heroes Banner Program will showcase specially designed banners featuring photographs of selected past and present service members, proudly displayed in designated areas in downtown Cape May Court House. The banners will serve as a public acknowledgment of their service and a point of pride for the community as they reflect Middle Township’s commitment to honoring those who serve.
“The Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have selflessly served our country and community,” said Mayor Leusner. “These individuals embody the true spirit of bravery and sacrifice, and their contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated. We invite everyone to join us in honoring our local heroes through this meaningful program.”
The patriot project has been led by the Middle Township Garden Club as part of their efforts to support our veterans and bring improvements to public spaces in the downtown area. Last year, the Garden Club joined with local volunteers to paint the American Legion Post and provide beautifying landscape upgrades.
The program aims not only to honor individuals but also to inspire future generations by educating them about the importance of service, courage, and community support.
Middle Township Honoree Profile Qualifications:
- Active service with immediate family in Middle Township
- Active service currently residing in Middle Township
- Living veterans born in or residing in Middle Township
- Deceased veterans born in or with strong ties to Middle Township
- Veteran employees of Middle Township
- You must provide an official service photo of the honoree
Township residents interested in sponsoring an honor banner for a service veteran or active-duty member of the armed forces can learn more @ opens in a new windowmiddletownship.com or contact Alicia Woodrow at awoodrow@middletownship.com
Middle Moves Closer to Final Approval for Goshen Complex Upgrades
Middle Moves Closer to Final Approval for Goshen Complex Upgrades
The Cape May County Open Space Review Board has reached a consensus to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve funding for major improvements to Middle Township’s Clarence Davis Sports Complex in Goshen. The total funding from the County would total $2,455,145.
The scope of the proposed project would include refurbishing playing fields, updating existing lighting, upgrades to dugouts, seating, announcer‘s box and concession stand. Additional areas of improvement would include concrete/asphalt paving, entrance signage, wayfinding signage and security upgrades (cameras, lighting, etc.).
The Open Space Board handed down its recommendation following a presentation to the Board by Middle Township Administrator Kimberly Osmundsen, Director of Grants and Economic Development Nancy Sittineri and Nichol Welsh from Engineering Design Associates on March 18th.
Mayor Chris Leusner shared his strong support for the project, “This is an exciting step forward for Middle Township and our residents. The proposed upgrades will greatly enhance the Clarence Davis Sports Complex and create a safer, more enjoyable environment for all who use it.”
A Public Hearing on the project will be held on May 13, 2025 in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room at the County Administration Building. This hearing will open the 45-day public comment period after which the Commissioners will vote on the final approval of the Goshen Complex Project funding.
Middle Matters Awards Recognize First Responders for Life-Saving Efforts
Middle Matters Awards Recognize First Responders for Life-Saving Efforts
Middle Township Committee recognized the combined, life-saving efforts of Police Officer Chris Rudy, three Cape May County dispatchers and four members of the AtlantiCare Emergency Medical Services Team at the Township’s January 22nd Township Committee meeting.
Patrolman Rudy was honored with the Township’s February Employee of the Month Award.
The following first Responders were presented with the Middle Matters Award:
AtlantiCare Emergency Medical Technicians Kristen Davis and Gianna Wells were recognized along with Paramedics Erica Hartman and Tracy Cain.
Cape May County Dispatchers/911 Operators Victoria Betham, Gabe Dalbow and Dustin Kelly were also honored.
During the early evening hours of November 28th, 2024, the CMC Dispatch Center received a frantic 9-1-1 call reporting a 1-week-old baby who was unconscious and unresponsive. Upon arrival, Ptlm. Chris Rudy observed the mother attempting CPR on the infant. The baby was blue in color and cold to the touch.
Ptlm. Rudy immediately took custody of the baby from the mother and began administering life-saving measures. After completing one round of CPR, the baby began to regain consciousness.
Rescue personnel from AtlantiCare arrived shortly after and assumed care of the infant. The baby was subsequently transported to Cooper University Hospital in Cape May Court House for further examination. The quick actions of Ptlm. Rudy and the teamwork of the Rescue Personnel played a crucial role in saving the life of the newborn.
“The combined efforts of the MTPD, County Dispatch and AtlantiCare EMS played a critical role in saving the life of a one-week-old baby during that emergency,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “Their quick thinking, professionalism, and dedication to duty were instrumental in ensuring a positive outcome in what could have been a tragic situation.”
In an effort to recognize local residents for their wide variety of endeavors towards building a better Middle Township, the Township of Middle established a civic recognition program entitled the “Middle Matters Award.” The Middle Matters Awards complements the Township’s existing Employee of the Month and Volunteer Recognition programs and providesresidents with the ability to publicly recognize their neighbors for praiseworthy acts.
Residents interested in acknowledging good works within the Township may submit a nomination on the Township’s website:
https://middletownship.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Middle-Matters-Nomination-Form.pdf
Middle Patrolman Chris Rudy Recognized for Life Saving Response
Middle Patrolman Chris Rudy Recognized for Life Saving Response
Middle Township Police Department Patrolman Chris Rudy was recognized as the Township’s February Employee of the Month at the January 22nd Meeting of Township Committee. Rudy was honored for his life saving measures taken to resuscitate a one-week-old baby.
“Township Committee is proud to honor and recognize Ptlm. Rudy for his caring and compassionate response in a critical moment for this infant child,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “His prompt, live saving action is a testament to the training and professionalism that make our department one of the best.”
During the early evening hours of November 28th, 2024, the MTPD received a frantic 9-1-1 call reporting a 1-week-old baby who was unconscious and unresponsive. Upon arrival, Ptlm. Chris Rudy observed the mother attempting CPR on the infant. The baby was blue in color and cold to the touch.
Ptlm. Rudy immediately took custody of the baby from the mother and began administering life-saving measures. After completing one round of CPR, the baby began to regain consciousness.
Rescue personnel from AtlantiCare arrived shortly after and assumed care of the infant. The baby was subsequently transported to Cooper University Hospital in Cape May Court House for further examination. The quick actions of Ptlm. Rudy and the teamwork of the Rescue Personnel played a crucial role in saving the life of the newborn.
Patrolman Chris Rudy joined the Middle Township Police Department as a Class II Officer in December 2021. In August 2023, Patrolman Rudy was hired as a full-time police officer and attended the Cape May County Police Academy, graduating in January 2024. He is currently assigned to the Patrol Division.
The Middle Township Employee of the Month program was initiated by the Township Committee to honor employees who exemplify the Township’s commitment to better delivery of services and going the extra mile for residents. The program culminates with the Darius Graham Employee of the Year honor that is named after one of the Township’s most beloved employees in its history.
Nominations for the Employee of the Month Program are available at Township Hall at two locations: Human Resources and Training Department and the Administration Department. Residents from the Township who have had a very positive interaction with any Middle Township employee may pick up the one-page nomination form and fill it out in the employee’s behalf.
